Stapling mechanism



July 10, 1945. A. c. LIND STAPLING MECHANISM Original Filed Sept. 22. 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l QN- mN.

INVENTOR ALVIN C.LIND

l ATTORNEY? 4Jul'y l0, 1945n A. c. MND

STAPLING MECHANISM Original Filed Sept. 22, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENToR ALVIN simo July I0, 1945'. v A. c. UND. I

-STAPLING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheel.y 3

Original Filed Sept. 22, 1941 FIGA @l2 (J6 sa a' 3J) INVENTOR ATTORNEYS m. L .a/ m w. .uw

July 10, 1945. i A. c. LIND STAPLING MECHANISM Original` Filed Sept. 22, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /lea FIG@ FIG

FIG 9 INVEN TOR Patented July 10, 1945 `srArLlNo. MECHANISM ,Alvin C.l Lind, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Nation'al Automotive Fibres, Inc., Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application March-16,\-1942, Serial No. 434,958, whlch is a division of application Serial No. 411,940, September 22, 1941. Divided and this application September 8, 1942, Serial No. 457,666

26 claims. (o1. 1 2) This invention relates generally to stapling mechanism and constitutes a division of an application iiled March 16, 1942, bearingSerial No. 434,958 which is a division of an application-filed September 22,1941, bearing `Serial No. 411,940.

Heretofore, a decorative effect has been imparted to interior trim. panels, particularly of automotive vehicles, by providing a bead or molding strip which generallyextends across the trim panel, but which may extend over any portion plated.

I have devised a new molding strip and appararatus for assembling the same with a trim panel.

' BrieflyV described, my invention comprises abase strip having laterally extending flanges, and a cover strip which is first adapted to be engaged with the `base strip in registry therewith, and is then subjected to a rolling operation which` bends flanges of the cover `strip inwardly under the anges of the base strip, so as to provide a derlnite andpositive interlock between the parts,

According to the preferred embodiment of my invention the assembly of the trim panel and molding strip elements is carried out on an assembly line. The trim panels are advanced by means of conveyors underneath guides. base strips are brought intoengagement with the guides and are advanced through them, thereby aligning `the "base Strips with lgreat accuracy on The the desired portion of the trim panels. As the base strips and the trim panels are continuously advanced, the base strips pass beneath a stapling device; or equivalent securing means, which locks the base strips to the trim panels. As the trim panel with the now permanently attached base strip advanves further along the assembly line, the operator places the cover' strip in registering relation over the base strip. Preferably the cover strip is formed so as to have a light `snap-on engagement with the base strip. As the assembly continues to advance, the cover strip passes beneath a roller which is adapted torforce thecover Astrip firmly down over the base strip. Immediately afterwards the cover` strip passes past one, or between two or more oppositely directed roll- "ers having flanges formedv thereon which are adapted to force and permanently bend the flanges of the cover strip underneath the laterally extending flanges of the base strip, so as to provide a permanent and positive interlock.l

With the foregoing general description in mind, lit is an object of the `invention to provide,

inapparatus of the character described, a stapling device adapted to staple base strips to a trim panel while the same continuously advances.

It is a further object of the invention to provide, in apparatus of the character described, a stapling device which is mounted for limited movement with a conveyor system, so that the stapling may be carried out in an aforesaid manner without interrupting advance of the articles on the conveyor. y f

Other objects of the invention will be' apparent as the description proceeds, and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of the apparatus employed;

Figure 2 `is a vertical cross sectional view through the structure in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary end View, looking to the left in Figure 2,; l

Figure 4 is a detail view of one of the pressure rollers and associated parts; l

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion' of the stapling mechanism; Y

Figure 6 is an elevationof a trim panelprovided1 with the decorative molding of the type described; y v I Figure '7 is a vertical cross sectional view through a trim panel and base strip before being stapled together;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure f7 rafter the parts have been stapled together; l

Figure 9 isA a yvertical `cross sectional view through an assembled trim panel and base strip and showing the initial position of a cover strip relative to the base strip; y ,l

Figure 10 is a View similar to Figure 9 vafterthe cover strip has been pressed down over the base strip; l y f f A Figure ll is a view similar toFigureQ after the side flanges of the cover-strip havebeen pressed inwardly beneath the outwardlyl projecting lateral anges of the base strip; l l Figure '12 is a fragmentary section throughone end of the molding strip, illustrating this conf struction; y ,Y

Figure 13 is a wiring `diagram indicating the electrical connection between the switohes'and the solenoid. f i y The apparatus whichrI employ for assembling the molding strips on the Itrim panels include san elongated table l0 supported by a plurality ofylegs Il.

,Carried by p thereof, are sprockets i3 over Which passes-va nie an@ It, adjacent the `ends.

chain I5 adapted to engage the underside of a trim panel P.

In order to rigidly support the upper run 'of the chain in a horizontal plane, I provide a track member 29 which runs the entire length of the table and which includes a bar 2| upon which rollers 22 are adapted to ride.

The chain I5 is provided at each side of the table and is adapted to engage the trim panels fed along adjacent the edges thereof.

In order to force the trim panels positively into engagement with the chain, I provide la plurality of pressure rollers 25, which are engagcable with the upper side of the trim panels and cause the latter to be firmly engaged with and positively advanced by the chain I5.

Referring particularly to Figure 4, the roller` 25 is mounted on a link 39 which, `in turn, is pivoted to a bracket 3|, as indicated at 32. The link 30 has at one end an upstanding arm 33 provided with a centering stud 34. Secured to the frame of the machine is a cooperating member 35 having a second centering stud 39. A cornpression spring 3'| is sleeved on the studs 3'4 and 36 and urges the roller 25 downwardly into engagement with the upper surface vof each trim panel' adjacent the edges thereof. In order to preventy downward movement of the roller 25 beyond a predetermined point, vthe link 39 is provided with an adjustable stop bolt 38', which is adapted to engage a' portion of the supporting angle iron 39, as seen in Figure 4'. l

Any suitable means (not shown) such as arnotor and speed reducer assembly may be operatively connected to the shaft. 5:9 for one of the sprockets I3 to drive the chain I5. f i

The mechanism which staples the base portions of the molding strips to the .trim panels is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 5, to which attention is now directed. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, I provide a guide 80 for the base portions |83 of the molding strips. Preferably this guide v89 is carried by a bracket 8|- that is adjustablel trainsversely of the conveyor in a slot 82 formed in a supporting bar B3. the guide 89 so as'to apply the base strip to the location desired upon the trim panel. Directly beneath the guide 89 isa roller 84 (Figure l) mounted on a member 85 pivoted to a supporting bracket 8'6, as indicated at 81. A compression spring 88 is located between `a-stud- 89 formed on the member 85 and a stud 99 formed' on the bracket 86, and biases the roller 84 upwardly into engagement with the underside of the trim panels P. Upward movement of the rollerv84 under the influence of the spring 38 is limited by an adjustable stop bolt 9| carried by the bracket 89 and engageable with the member 85. The bracket 86 is adjustable lengthwise of a transversely extending bar 95 (Figures l and 2), suitablek means. for this purpose being indicated generally at 92. and including aclamping plate 93 and clampingr bolt 94 adapted to lock bracket 86 in adjusted position relative to said bar 95 when the clamping bolt is tightened.

The underside of the guide 89 has an inverted channelt shaped recess 89a, as indicated by dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2 for directing the base strips |83 properly relative to the trim panels P as they advance. Preferably the receiving end of the inverted channel 89a is flared to facilitate insertion of the base strips with said channel, while the base of the inverted channel inclinesA- downwardly from` the receiving end. thereof toward its other end.

This permits adjustment of i' registry with the anvil arm IIJI.

' vIIlI carries an anvil |93, as seen in Figure 1. The

The stapler actually employed (Fig. 2) in the present machine is a Morrison model S. J. F., hence details thereof are not shown in the present application. This stapling device has an anvil arm |9| which extends under the trim panel and an over-arm |92 which extends over the trim panel and carries the stapling head |99 in The anvil arm stapling head carries a supply of wire, and has a downwardly movable portion which serves a length of wire and drives the same through the article being stitched or stapled. 'Ihe free ends of the wire, as they penetrate through the article,

zengage the anvil |93 which clamps them in place.

In order to actuate the stapler, we provide a solenoid |95 (Figures 1 and 2) having a plunger |99v connected by a link |91 to a lever |98, pivoted at |99 to a bracket ||9. Solenoid |95 is supported on a plate I which' is secured in depending relation to an adjustable slide ||2 (Figures l, 2 and 5). The bracket I|9 is also secured to the slide I|2 so that the parts may all bev adjusted simultaneously. Lever |98 has secured thereto a link I I3 which is pivotally secured to an operating rod I I4, as indicated generally at |I5. Upon actuation of the solenoid |95 the plunger |96 moves downwardly, thus moving the operating rod ||4 downwardly and effecting a stapl'ing operation. Suitable controls |49 and |4I, respectively, are provided for actuating the solenoid at predetermined intervals during passage of a trim panel past the stapling head.

The Morrison stapler includes a motor (not shown) and a clutch 2'|9 for collecting the motor to the mechanism in the stapling head |99. The arrangement is such that when the clutch is engaged, the driven shaft makes one revolution and aiXes one staple and stops. Thus, each time the solenoid |95 is energized and the operating rod I|4 is depressed', the driven shaft of the stapling device is driven through the clutch 2|9 for one revolution.

The motor (not shown) is connected to the operating shaft, which is indicated at 2| through a drive gear 2'I'2. 4

Referring now more particularly to Figure 5, I illustrate means for adjusting they stapling mechanism transversely of the table so as to provide for attachment of the molding strips at any point on th'e trim panel. This means comprises a framework indicated generally at |29, including spaced parallel bars |2| and |22 on which is mounted the slide ||2. The bars |2| and |22 are mounted on angle irons |23 and |24, (Fig. 1) respectively, and provide ways in which the slide I2 is adjustable. Means are provided for adjusting the slide ||2 transversely, and comprises a feed screw |25 journaled in a cross piece |26 at the ends of bars I2| and 22. A hand operated crank |21 is provided, and the feed screw I 25 has threaded engagement with a depending element |28* carried by slide I2.

As previously stated, the slide ||2 carries the solenoid |95 and the bracket ||9, so that adjustment of the slide I I 2 transversely does not affect the operating relationship of these parts.

It is desirable to advance the panels continuously past the stapling mechanism hence means is provided to permit stapling of the trim panels during movement thereof. This means comprises a swivel plate |39 which is pivoted to the slide I2 at the center line of a stud |3I. The stapling elements |90, I9'I and |92 are mounted on the swivel plate |39 for movement therewith. Intermediate the slide I2 and. swivel plate |30, I provide suitable bearings indicated in Figure 2 at |32. I have indicated the centerline ci the stapling and molding at |35, and it will be observed that this is removed a suitable distance from the pivot center of the swivel plate |30. Since the stapling head is in engagement with the trim panel P during `only a very short interval of time, the arc of movement of the stapling head during engagement of the trim panel is substantially a straight line. In order to permit the necessary relative movement between the parts brought about by the movement of the stapling head in contact with the trim panel,` such of the connections as are aiiected, are made with^a loose or sloppy lt.

As best seen in Figure 5, the swivel plate is provided with an abutment |36, which is adapted to engage an adjustable abutment |37 mounted `on the slide |I2. I'he slide I|2 `also carries a pin |38 to which is secured one end of a tension spring |39, the other end being secured, as shown, to the abutment I36.` The spring |39 therefore biases the swivel plate |30 to its normal or initial position, and returns the same to initial position at the completion of each sta-pling operation.

To insure positive'motion of th'e swivel plate |30 during the stapling operation, the following structure is provided. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a bracket 2I5 is aflixed to the slde| I2 and is provided adjacent its top with a roller 2 6. Keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 2| I of the i stapler is an eccentric cam ZIB. As previously stated, the shaft 2|| is adapted to make vone revolution during each stapling operation and, accordingly, the cam 2I8 similarly makes one complete revolution during each stapling operation. As seen in Figure 3 the roller 2 I6 is in engagement with the periphery of the cam 2|8; The'cam 2 I8 in substantial parallelism and at the same speed asthe advancing trim panel. During the stapling operation the swivel plate |30 is returned to initial position by the spring |39, as previously described.

As best seen in Figure l, I provide adjacent the path of travel of ythe trim panels P a plurality of electric switches |40, I4I, which are adjustable lengthwise of a rail |42. These switches are arranged in a circuit with the solenoid |05 which actuates the s tapling mechanism. The arrangement may be varied as desired, but in the present embodiment the switches |40 and |4| are so connected to the solenoid that initiation of 4the stapling` operation takes place when the leading edge of one trim panel engages and swings to the left the trip arm |40' of switch |40, and the stapling operation continues by suitable timing means (not shown) until the trailing edge of the trim panel passes over the trip arm.|4|'

of switch I4I. This provides for initiation of the '7-11) and places them overnthe base'strips |83, which are now securely locked by stapling or wire stitching to the trim panels. As previously stated,

these cover strips are preferably so formed as to have a light snap-on engagement with the base strips, although this is not strictly necese sary. The cover strips are complete in that their ends are formedand closed to the desired conguration, which would prevent sliding a cove strip on from -one end of a base strip.

In Figure 8 I have sh'own the base.strip |83 secured to the trim panel Pby suitable means such as wire staples or stitches |81.

In Figure 9 the cover strip |90 is in its initial position on the base strip |33. As previously stated, the cover strip is provided with downwardly and slightly inwardly inclined anges I9 I, the arrangement being such with relation to the iiange portions |06 of the base strip |83 that the cover strip |90 has, a light snap-on engagement therewith. It is only necessary to provide a temporary inter-engagement between these parts, pendingthe subsequentprovision of the permanent interlock. The operator may if desired force the cover strip |90 downwardly, as shown in Figure l0, or this operation vmayii desired be performed by one or more rollers (not shown). 'IheneXt step in .the operation is the bending or rolling of the flanges I9I, at least partially under the flange portions |86 of the bases'trip |83. Figure 11 shows the arrangement of molding elements after this step has been completed.

In Figure 12 I have indicated a fragmentary longitudinal section through a molding strip i made in accordance with the present invention.

In this ligure the trim panel P has the base strip |83 stapled'thereto, as indicated at |81, and the cover strip |90 is secured in place. As seen in Figure 12, the cover strip |90 has its'end rounded 01T and closed, as indica-ted by the numeral |92.

By practicing the present invention it is possible to employ a base strip of a relatively inexpensive material, .and to employ a light gauge cover strip formed of a more expensive metal if desired.` At the same time,'it will be appreciated that the cover strip need not necessarily be of metal, but need only be of a sheet material which is adapted to take a permanent set as a` result of :the molding operation.I Thus for example, cover strips formed from certain plastics are suitable.

What I claim as my invention is:

`1. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyona slide adjustable transversely of said conveyor, a swivel plate pivoted to said slide,. a stapling devicesecured to said swivel plate, said stapling device having a stapling head located remote from the pivot axis of said swivel plate whereby said Istapling head moves along said conveyor while engaged with articles carried thereby, and resilient means for returning said swivel plate to initial position when said stapling head becomes disengaged from said articles.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor, a slide adjustable transversely of said conveyor, a stapling device including a stapling head on said slide, means mounting said stapling device to permit limited movement ofrsaid stapling head along said conveyor while engaged with articles thereon, and resilient means returningsaid stapling head to` initial position when disengaged from said articles.

3. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for continuously advancing ,a series of trim panels, a stapling head over said conveyor having limited movement. along said conveyor froml an initial position, resilient means urging said head toward initial position, and a guide over said conveyor in alignment with said stapling head, said guide having a tapered recess in its underside adapted to align a rigid strip with said stapling head and to press the strip into firm Contact with the upper surface of an article on said conveyor to facilitate the stapling operation.

4. In apparatus of the character described, a continuously moving conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing panels, means mounting said stapling device for limited movement in two directions over said conveyor, said stapling device including a shaft adapted to have predetermined rotation during each stapling operation, cam means operable by rotation of said shaft for moving said stapling device in one direction over said conveyor while it engages the base strips being stapled, and resilient means operable after a stapling operation for moving said stapling device in the other direction over said conveyor.

5. In apparatus of the character described, a continuously moving conveyor for advancing articles to be stapled, a stapling device, means mounting said stapling device for limited movement along said conveyor, said stapling device including a shaft adapted to havepredetermined rotation during each stapling operation, cam means operable by rotation of said shaft for moving said stapling device along said conveyor while it engages the article being stapled, and resilient means to return said stapling device between succeeding operations.

6. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing panels,

transversely extending frame members above and below said conveyor, adjustable means carried by the upper frame member for guiding on the trim panels the base strips to be stapled thereto, and adjustable spring pressed means carried by the lower frame member for maintaining the trim panels in proper relation to the guiding means.

'7. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing panels, transversely extending frame members above and below said conveyor, means adjustable lengthwise of the upper frame member for guiding on the trim panels the base strips to be stapled thereto, and spring pressed means adjustable lengthwise of the lower frame member for maintaining the trim panels in proper relation to the guiding means.

8. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for a trim panel, mechanism for stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, a swivel mounting for the stapling mechanism carried by said slide, and means for adjusting said slide transversely of said conveyor to vary the position of the stapling mechanism relative to a trim panel on the conveyor.

9. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for a trim panel, mechanism lfor stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a swivel mounting for said mechanism, and means for adjusting said mounting transversely of said conveyor to vary the position of the stapling mechanism relative to a trim panel on the conveyor.

10. In apparatus of the character described,

a conveyor for trim panels, mechanism for stapling a' base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, and a swivel mounting for said stapling mechanism carried by said slide.

11. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for trim panels, mechanism for stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, a swivel mounting for said stapling mechanism carried by said slide, and cam means for moving said stapling mechanism on said swivel mounting with the trim panels on said conveyor.

12. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for trim panels, mechanism for stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said Conveyor, a swivel mounting for said stapling mechanism carried by said slide, and means operable during operation of the stapling mechanism for moving said mechanism on said swivel mounting with the trim panels on said conveyor.

13. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for trim panels, mechanism for stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, a swivel mounting for said stapling mechanism on said slide, and means for moving the stapling mechanism on said swivel mounting.

14. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for trim panels, mechanism for stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, a swivel plate for said stapling mechanism on said slide, an adjustable abutment for said swivel plate, cam actuated means for moving said swivel plate away from said abutment, and spring means for returning said swivel plate to said abutment.

15. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for trim panels, mechanism for stapling a base strip to a trim panel on said conveyor, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, a swivel mounting for said stapling mechanism on said slide, an operating shaft for said stapling mechanism, a cam on said shaft, and means actuable by said cam for moving the stapling mechanism on said swivell mounting.

16. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, brackets located above and below the conveyor and adjustable relative thereto, a guide for the base strips to be stapled carried by one of said brackets, and a spring pressed element carried by the other of said brackets for pressing the advancing trim panels into operative relation to the guide.

17. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, a bracket adjustable transversely of said conveyor, a guide for the base strips carried by said bracket, said guide having an inverted channel for directing the base strips to be stapled over the trim panels, the channel having a flaring end for receiving the base strips, the base of the inverted channel inclining downwardly from the flared receiving end toward the other end of the channel for pressing the base strips into operative relation with the trim panels to facilitate the stapling operation.

18, In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels,

` a solenoid for controlling actuation of the stapling device, electric switches having trip arms for actuating the same, said trip arms being in the path of travel of and engageable by the trim panels during advancement thereof whereby said arms will be actuated by said trim panels, said pling device, and electric switches having trip arms for actuating the same, said trip arms being in the path of and engageable by the trim panels, said switches being operatively connected to. said solenoid.

20. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels,

a transversely extending supporting bar above f said conveyor, a bracket adjustable lengthwise of said supporting bar, a guide for the base strips to be stapled carried by said bracket, a transversely extending bar beneath said conveyor, a bracket carried by the last mentioned bar, and spring actuated means carried by the last mentionedI bracket for pressing the advancing trim panels into operative relation'with said guide.

' 21. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, a supporting member above said conveyor, a bracket carried by and adjustable relative to said supporting member, a guide vfor the base strips to be stapled carried by said bracket, a supporting member beneath said conveyor, a bracket carried by and adjustable relative to the last mentioned member, and means carried by the last mentioned bracket for pressing the advancing trim panels into operative relation 'with said guide.

22. In apparatus of the character described,

a conveyor for advancing 'trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, a slide movable transversely of said conveyor, a bracket carried by said slide, a solenoid carried by said slide, and means actuable by said solenoid for 4operating said stapling device including `a lever carried by said bracket.

23. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, a device for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, an adjustable slide, a bracket carried by said slide, a solenoid carriedby said slide and having a plunger, a lever carried by said bracket and operatively connected to said plunger, and means actuable by said lever for operating said stapling device.

24. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, an adjustable slide, a swivel plate carried by said slide, a device carried by the swivel plate for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, and means carried by the slide for operating the stapling device.

25. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, an adjustable slide, a swivel plate carried by said slide, a device carried by the swivel plate for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, means carried by the slide for operating the stapling device, an adjustable abutment for the swivel platev carried by the slide, and yieldable means normally holding the swivel plate in engagement with said abutment.

26. In apparatus of the character described, a conveyor for advancing trim panels, an adjustable slide, a swivel plate carried by said slide, a device carried by the swivel plate for stapling base strips to the advancing trim panels, said stapling device having a drive shaft, a bracket carried by the slide, and means for actuating the swivel plate relative to said conveyor, including i' a cam on said shaft, and a roller carried by said 'bracketl and engaging said cam'.

ALVIN C. LIND. 

